Essay Review Turning Points!

Components of the Regents Essay F – Facts, Evidence & Details (the explanation, specifics and substantiation of the essay) O – Organization (Introduction, Body Paragraphs & Conclusion) L – Level of Analysis (the long-range or immediate impact of the information on a society or on history) D – Development of the Task (the bullets of the task)

The Turning Points Essay! Task: Identify two major turning points in Global History and for each: Describe the historical circumstances surrounding the turning point. Explain how each turning point changed the course of history.

Essential Information for this Essay!

Neolithic Revolution Describe: –Prior to the N.R. humans roamed in small nomadic hunter-gatherer bands –Around 8,000 BCE, humans began to develop agricultural techniques (ie. simple planting and harvesting), and began to domesticate animals Explain the change: –Instead of chasing after food, humans could now create or raise food –This allowed humans to settle in communities (which became towns, cities, civilizations…) –Nutrition improved, life span increased, and population exploded –Significant social changes including social classes and gender roles

The Encounter (Columbus) Describe: –Europeans were seeking a faster, water route to India and S.E. Asia –Columbus was convinced that the circumference of the Earth was smaller than it was, and he could reach the East Indies in 6 weeks –He sailed west, and encountered the Americas Explain the Change: –Europeans conquered with superior weapons and colonized the Americas –Spread Christianity and European social/cultural customs (including language) –European disease decimated native populations –Began importing Africans as a labor source

The Crusades Describe: –Seljuk Turks had conquered the Holy Land (Jerusalem) –The Byzantine Emperor asked the Pope for help in regaining the territory –In 1095 Pope Urban II called for the First Crusade Explain the Change: –Militarily, the Crusades were not successful for the West. After 200 years, the Turks continued to possess the Holy Land –Economically, they ushered in the commercial revolution in Europe, increasing trade and leading to exploration –Politically, they led to the end of feudalism, and the rise of powerful monarchies

The Protestant Reformation Describe: –The Catholic Church peaked in power during the Middle Ages –During the Renaissance Era, the Church had become worldly & corrupt –A series of Popes spent recklessly on art & architecture –Money was raised through sale of indulgences Explain the Change: –German monk Martin Luther protested abuses of the Church in his 95 Theses –Luther was excommunicated, and a new sect of Christianity was established in W. Europe –Ushered in 150 years of religious warfare (Protestant vs. Catholic) in W. Europe as Christian unity was destroyed –Many European New World settlers sought religious freedom

Gutenberg’s Printing Press Describe: –Books were hand-made (hand-written and assembled) during the Middle Ages –Written on parchment (animal skin), books were expensive and limited in quantity –Gutenberg used Chinese inventions (paper & movable type) plus his press to change literary production Explain the Change: –Cheap long lasting ink, plus re-usable metallic type and a cheaper writing surface –Books, announcements, and newspapers could be mass produced quickly and cheaply –Cost of books declined and quantity of books increased –Literacy rate in Europe rose dramatically